Top pick: The Toymaker's Apprentice at the Hudson Theatre Ensemble has life lessons

Sometimes Donald Trump can be an inspiration. At least that’s the case in the Hudson Theatre Ensemble’s upcoming production in which a toymaker takes a page out of The Donald’s book to find someone to learn her craft.

In “The Toymaker’s Apprentice,” two young women - Katie, the daughter of a carpenter and Patty, the daughter of the president of “Corporation Corp. Incorporated” - compete to eventually take over the toymaker’s business. The contest heats up when the two are challenged to make a toy for the best little girl in the world.

“Patty doesn’t make a good toy, so she decides to strong-arm Katie into telling the toymaker that Patty made dancing doll and Katie made this sad stick,” said Director Jeremy Williams, who added that in the end, kids will learn the importance of honesty and doing a good job.

He praised playwright Kathy Ferman-Menino for the musical’s balance of teaching and entertainment.

“Her scripts that have wonderful moments of teaching in them, but they’re not heavy-handed,” he said.

“The great thing about these shows, is that it’s appropriate for all ages. If a child is able to sit in a theater for 35 to 40 minutes and enjoy it, we welcome them. It’s also super fun for the parents. We have some humor and jokes aimed for them and grandparents have an excellent time too. There’s a little something for everybody,” Williams said.

The Little Rock, Ark., native said the score by Ellen Mandel will especially appeal to the audience.

“The two women playing the young girls are incredible singers,” he said. “I get swept away every time they start singing. They really start getting into character and it’s really quite delightful!”

Williams added that while some may see the play as an allegory of small business (carpentry) versus Corporate America, the real heart of the show is about something much simpler.

“It’s about individual growth and their journeys, coming into their own as young women,” said Williams.

“It’s about honesty and learning that that’s more important than winning. It’s about waking up a sense of compassion - we all have to play nice together.”

“The Toymaker’s Apprentice” will have six performances on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Hudson School Performance Space, 601 Park Ave., Hoboken. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for kids. For reservations and more information, call (201) 377-7014 or visit HudsonTheatreEnsemble.com.